Ecuador cut off Wikileaks founder's internet over US election interference
Julian Assange had his internet cut in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, as the South American country expressed fears over his interference in the US presidential election.
The founder of whistleblowing website Wikileaks has been sheltered in the embassy since June 2012, with Assange fearing extradition to the United States if he leaves.
In recent weeks his organisation has released a variety of documents from private email servers belonging to the Democratic Party, ahead of the 8 November election in which Hillary Clinton will go up against Republican rival Donald Trump.
In a statement released by the country's foreign affairs department, Ecuador also reiterated its intentions to maintain Assange's asylum.
"The government of Ecuador respects the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states. It does not interfere in external electoral processes, nor does it favour any particular candidate," the statement said.
It added that it "reaffirms the asylum granted to Julian Assange and reiterates its intention to safeguard his life and physical integrity until he reaches a safe place."
Official Communiqué | Ecuador respects the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states ➡️https://t.co/4F7R5Iktsd pic.twitter.com/5FtbLViMEo
— Foreign Affairs Ec (@MFAEcuador) October 18, 2016
Wikileaks rose to fame when it released a significant set of documents via US army private Chelsea Manning, including the Collateral Damge video which showed Iraqi civilians being killed by the US military.
Assange is wanted for an alleged sexual assault in Sweden in 2010, but professes his innocence and fears extradition to the US if he faces trial in the Scandinavian country.